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“I’m sorry,” Mirren said. “I hope you’ll come back another time. I’ll give you a discount if you do.”
“I can’t believe we’re leaving tomorrow. The weather forecast for the next week is glorious.”
Mirren winced. “It’s such a shame. Little Ellie would have loved playing on the beach.”
“I don’t suppose the cottage happens to be available next week so we can extend our stay?” When Mirren wrinkled her brow, Beth felt her cheeks heat up. Apparently a week stuck inside with Ellie had impeded her social skills. “I was joking. Sorry. Of course you’re booked up … and we can’t really extend our stay anyway.”
“Can’t you?” Mirren asked, her features serious.
“Well … we’re booked on a flight tomorrow.”
Mirren moved to the window, her eyes following Ellie. “It probably wouldn’t be easy to rebook the flight in peak season. You might be able to get on the ferry though.”
Beth stared at her in confusion. “Doyou have availability?”
“I might be able to organise something.” Mirren looked thoughtful. “Peswera Cottage is owned by my son, Trystan. He lives in London, so I rent it out for him. He’s arriving home this afternoon and he was going to be staying in the cottage after you leave. He’s here for the summer. I don’t see why he can’t stay with me for a few nights … that way you could stay on in the cottage and have a few days of sunshine.”
“Oh … I’m not sure …” Outside, more clouds parted and bright sunshine made the pale sand glow while illuminating the water to a tantalising shade of turquoise. “Wouldn’t your son mind?”
“Trystan will be fine with it.” There was a twinkle in Mirren’s eyes which made Beth wonder whether he really would be fine with it. “I’ll make us a cuppa and you can have a look at changing your travel plans.”
They moved out to the patio and Mirren dried a couple of chairs for them to sit down. While they sipped cups of coffee, Beth tapped away on her phone, checking their travel options. Mirren was right that the flights were full, but there was plenty of availability on the ferry. It would mean getting a train from the ferry port in Penzance, but the slightly longer journey would be worth it for a few days of actual holiday. Besides, there had been a purpose to her trip that she hadn’t yet fulfilled.
“Are you going to drive us to the plane tomorrow?” Ellie asked Mirren when she gave up exploring the garden and joined them on the patio.
“I think we might stay for a few more days,” Beth told her, then looked to Mirren. “Are you sure it’s okay? I’m concerned your son isn’t going to be happy. Do you need to call and check with him?”
“No.” She chuckled. “I’ll surprise him with the news when he arrives.”
“Why do I get the feeling he’s going to be annoyed and you’re going to take pleasure in his irritation?”
“I promise he won’t be annoyed. Not with you, anyway. There might be some eye-rolling and muttering in my direction. Cancel your flight and enjoy a few more days. Shall we say until Wednesday? That gives you a full four days to see the islands.”
“Thank you.” Beth felt instantly lighter at not having to leave so soon. “Isn’t that great?” she asked Ellie, pulling her onto her lap. “We get to stay for longer.”
“It’s good if it doesn’t rain.” Ellie pushed her hair off her face with the palm of her hand. “Can we go on the train now?”
“Do you think it will be going?” Beth asked Mirren.
“I’d imagine so.” She checked her watch. “I’m not convinced you’ll make it in time though.”
“How about we go tomorrow?” Beth asked Ellie. “We’ve got lots of time now that we’re staying for longer.”
“I want to go now.” She pouted. “You said we can go as soon as it stops raining.”
Mirren chuckled lightly. “Let me give Kit a call. See what we can do.” She reached for her phone, and after a brief exchange, she ended the call and smiled at Ellie. “You’re in luck. He says he’ll wait for you. I’ll drive you down there.”
“We could have gone tomorrow,” Beth said apologetically.
“The poor little mite’s been stuck inside all week. No wonder she’s desperate to get out and do something fun.”
While Mirren fetched her car keys, Beth nipped back to the cottage for her bag. She was completely embarrassed when they arrived at the promenade in Hugh Town to find the train full of waiting passengers. Kit opened the front door and beckoned them onto the seat beside him.
“We get to sit right at the front!” Ellie said excitedly.
“Thank you for waiting,” Beth said to Kit. “It’s really kind of you.”
“No problem.” He tickled Ellie’s tummy. “I have to tell the passengers about the island, but I’ll talk to you in a little while, okay?”
